Enjoying the great outdoors can quickly become less enjoyable when pesky flies decide to join the party. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a picnic, or simply relaxing on your patio, flies can be a major nuisance. But don’t let these buzzing invaders ruin your outdoor fun! There are simple and effective ways to keep flies away and reclaim your peaceful outdoor space. This guide will explore practical methods, starting with a surprisingly easy trick using items you likely already have at home, and expanding to other proven strategies for a truly fly-free experience.
A person enjoying a picnic outdoors without flies, thanks to fly repellent methods
The Curious Case of the Penny Fly Trick
Have you ever heard of using pennies to repel flies? It might sound like an old wives’ tale, but many swear by this simple method. The story goes that a clever friend shared this unusual tip, and the results were surprisingly effective. Imagine sitting down for a pleasant outdoor dinner, only to be swarmed by flies. That’s when the “penny trick” comes to the rescue.
The idea is simple: water and pennies. Fill glasses with water, drop in a few pennies, and place them around your outdoor dining area. The anecdotal evidence suggests that flies, upon approaching, seem to notice the water and pennies, and then abruptly change direction, zooming away. While the exact science behind this trick remains debated, the practical observations are compelling. Let’s delve into how to use this intriguing method and explore if it can work for you.
Alt text: A clear glass filled with water and shiny copper pennies, illustrating a simple and natural way to repel flies.
Two Easy Penny and Water Methods to Repel Flies
There are two main ways to utilize the penny and water trick to deter flies from your outdoor spaces. Both are incredibly easy to set up and require minimal materials. You can choose the method that best suits your needs and outdoor setting.
Method 1: Glasses of Water with Pennies
This is the most straightforward approach. All you need are a few clear glasses, water, and some pennies.
What You’ll Need:
- Pennies (4-5 per glass)
- Clear glasses filled with water
How to Use the Glass Method:
- Fill several clear glasses with water.
- Place 4-5 pennies at the bottom of each glass.
- Position the glasses strategically around your outdoor table, food serving areas, and seating.
By placing these glasses around your space, you may notice a significant reduction in flies buzzing around your food and guests.
A hand dropping a bright copper penny into a clear glass filled with fresh water, preparing a fly repellent.
Multiple glasses filled with water and pennies, placed on an outdoor table, ready to repel flies during a gathering.
Method 2: Water Bag with Pennies
The water bag method is a variation that’s particularly useful for smaller spaces or situations where you prefer not to have open glasses of water.
What You’ll Need:
- Resealable plastic bags (sandwich or quart-sized)
- Water
- Pennies
- Mason jar (optional, for easier filling)
How to Use the Bag Method:
- Place a resealable plastic bag inside a mason jar to hold it upright.
- Fill the bag about ¾ full with water.
- Drop a few pennies into the bag.
- Seal the bag tightly, ensuring the pennies are spread out.
- Hang the bag(s) in the area where you want to repel flies. You can hang them from hooks, tree branches, or patio umbrellas.
Hanging water bags with pennies can be an effective way to create a fly-free zone, especially around picnic tables or seating areas.
Filling a clear plastic bag with tap water from a kitchen faucet, preparing a DIY fly repellent bag.
Close up of copper pennies being dropped into a clear plastic bag partially filled with water, creating a natural fly deterrent.
A clear plastic bag filled with water and pennies, sealed and ready to hang as an outdoor fly repellent.
A clear bag of water and pennies hanging outdoors, effectively repelling flies from a patio or garden area.
A picnic table laden with delicious food, protected from flies by strategically placed water bags with pennies.
Does the Penny Trick Really Work? Personal Experiences and Theories
Many people who have tried the penny and water trick report a noticeable decrease in fly activity. Personal anecdotes suggest a significant reduction, sometimes as much as 90%, in the number of flies bothering outdoor gatherings. Imagine flies hovering near, but not landing on, your food – a testament to the potential effectiveness of this simple hack.
The exact mechanism behind why this trick might work is still debated. One popular theory is that the flies perceive the combination of water and pennies as large, compound eyes, similar to those of a predator insect. This perceived threat could scare them away. Another theory suggests that the reflective properties of the water and pennies might disorient or confuse flies, leading them to avoid the area. Regardless of the scientific explanation, the practical results speak for themselves.
A humorous cartoon depicting flies observing food from a distance, deterred by the penny and water fly repellent trick.
For many, the penny trick has become a go-to solution for outdoor fly control. Its simplicity and reliance on readily available materials make it an attractive option. And, as a bonus, the glasses of water with pennies can even add a subtle decorative touch to your outdoor setting, sparkling in the sunlight.
A child happily eating outdoors at a picnic table, enjoying a fly-free meal thanks to effective fly repellent methods.
Beyond Pennies: Additional Strategies to Keep Flies Away
While the penny trick is a fascinating and often effective starting point, there are other proven methods to enhance your fly-repelling efforts and create an even more fly-free outdoor environment.
Natural Plant Repellents
Certain plants naturally repel flies. Incorporating these plants into your outdoor space can add beauty and functionality. Some of the most effective fly-repelling plants include:
- Sweet Basil: A fragrant herb that’s also a culinary favorite.
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent, which flies dislike.
- Rosemary: Another aromatic herb that deters flies.
- Mint: Easy to grow and effective at repelling various insects, including flies.
- Wormwood: A more potent repellent, use with caution and research.
Placing potted herbs around your patio or garden can create a natural fly barrier.
Reflective Repellents: CDs and Fly Fans
Flies are known to dislike bright, moving reflections. You can leverage this aversion by using:
- Old CDs: Hang old CDs with the reflective side facing outwards. The sunlight reflecting off the CDs can disorient flies.
- Reflective Fly Fans: Battery-operated fly fans with soft, reflective blades create a visual and physical barrier that keeps flies away from food and tables.
These methods add movement and light reflection to further deter flies.
Physical Barriers: Food Tents
For food protection, especially during picnics and barbecues, food tents are invaluable.
- Food Tents: Mesh food tents cover dishes, preventing flies from landing on food while still allowing air circulation.
Food tents are a practical and reliable way to keep flies off your food.
Essential Oil Repellents (Brief Mention)
Essential oils offer another natural approach to repelling flies. While this article focuses on other methods, essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus are known for their insect-repelling properties. (For more detailed information on essential oils for insect repellent, see our linked article).
Alt text: Copper pennies shimmering under water in a glass, highlighting the reflective quality that may contribute to fly repellency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Flies Away
Here are some common questions about keeping flies away outside:
Q: What plants are best for keeping flies away?
A: Sweet basil, lavender, rosemary, mint, and wormwood are known to repel flies.
Q: How does the penny trick work to repel flies?
A: Theories suggest flies may perceive the water and pennies as large eyes, or that the reflections disorient them.
Q: Do older, tarnished pennies work better?
A: Some believe older pennies are more effective, but this is not scientifically proven. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Q: How do old CDs keep flies away?
A: Sunlight reflects off the CDs, creating flashing light that flies dislike.
Q: What if the penny trick isn’t enough?
A: Combine the penny trick with other methods like food tents, fly fans, and plant repellents for enhanced fly control.
Food tents covering plates of food at an outdoor buffet, a practical solution for keeping flies away from food.
Battery-operated fly fans placed on an outdoor dining table, demonstrating a modern approach to keeping flies away.
Enjoy a Fly-Free Outdoor Experience
Keeping outside flies away doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By employing simple tricks like the penny and water method, incorporating repellent plants, using reflective deterrents, and protecting food with tents, you can significantly reduce fly activity and enjoy your outdoor spaces in peace. Experiment with these methods to find the best combination for your needs and reclaim your fly-free outdoor oasis!
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